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DE: Crowdfunding to improve Delaware beach access
In an unusual fundraising effort, Delaware state park officials are using crowdfunding to raise $30,000 from the public to improve beach access for people with disabilities.
MA: Massachusetts court to consider case reviews after crime lab scandal
Massachusetts’ top court will consider arguments today on how to handle tens of thousands of drug convictions that were potentially tainted by a rogue crime lab scientist in a case that could have national implications.
CA: California fois gras ban is overturned
The ruling by a federal judge at least briefly reverses what stood as a major victory for animal welfare advocates trying to stop the common practice of force-feeding birds to enlarge their livers.
MO: Missouri Legislature convenes amid protects
The Missouri Legislature kicked off its 2015 session in ceremonies that were interrupted by protesters who hung banners over the chamber’s railing and chanted “no justice, no peace” and “black lives matter,” some of the rallying cries in last year’s Ferguson protests.
KS: Bill would raise Kansas’ minimum wage by
A bill that would raise Kansas’ minimum wage by $3 over the next three years has been pre-filed. Kansas last raised its minimum wage in 2009 to $7.25. Efforts by Democrats in recent years to increase it in the GOP-dominated legislature have failed.
ID: New school chief may delay teacher certification reforms
Newly elected State Superintendent of Public Instruction Sherri Ybarra said she is considering increasing operational funding for Idaho schools while possibly delaying the implementation of a new plan that seeks to tighten teacher certification credentials.
MD: O’Malley plan to close shortfall is approved
The Maryland Board of Public Works approved outgoing Democratic Gov. Martin O’Malley’s plan to cut the state’s current operating budget by $205 million and other special fund transfers to bring the budget back into balance before Republican Gov.-elect Larry Hogan takes office Jan. 21.
WI: Bill would allow low-performing public schools to be made into charters
Wisconsin public schools that persistently perform poorly would be turned into charter schools, under an accountability bill introduced by legislators.
OH: Ohio casinos have a better holiday than last year
Ohio’s four casinos pulled in nearly $71 million in December, up almost 12 percent compared to the year before and higher than in November.
TX: Court to weigh Texas policies on abortion, gay marriage
A federal appeals court is set to consider this week two prominent Texas cases: a legal challenge to the state’s strict abortion regulations and an attempt to overturn the state’s longstanding ban on same-sex marriages.
MN: Minnesota business group calls for gas, metro sales tax hikes to fix roads and bridges
The group calling itself Move MN has proposed the legislature add a 6.5 percent sales tax on gas in addition to what’s assessed per gallon.
LA: Campus sex assault policy being drafted
A state-level policy is being drafted to address how claims of sexual assault are handled on college campuses in Louisiana, and it’s expected to require colleges and universities to institute regular campus-wide sexual assault climate surveys.
AR: Hutchinson to push quick vote on tax cut
Republican Gov.-elect Asa Hutchinson said he wants the Arkansas Legislature to enact his plan for a $100 million income tax cut early in the session that starts next week.
CT: Malloy seeks transportation overhaul
Newly re-elected Democratic Gov. Dannel Malloy told lawmakers he will present a wide-ranging plan next month that includes upgrades to highways, rail lines, ports, and bicycle and pedestrian systems in Connecticut.
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